I am excited to learn of today’s announcement that two large-scale projects to tackle stem cell therapies for cancer are to be funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium (CSCC). This is most welcome news, not only because it demonstrates a continued investment in stem cell science but because both projects have a critical Canadian component – both projects will be co-led by Canadian investigators.
Half of adults diagnosed with leukemia succumb to the disease. The first project will address the need for novel treatments for leukemia, by developing agents to directly target leukemic stem cells that are resistant to current therapies. This project will be led by Dr. John Dick, Princess Margaret Hospital and Dr. Dennis Carson, University of California San Diego.
The second project will target solid tumor cancers by developing small molecule therapeutics that attack the cancer-initiating cells within the tumors. This project is led by Dr. Tak Mak, Princess Margaret Hospital and Dr. Dennis Slamon, University of California, Los Angeles.
An interesting note is that both Canadian investigators named in the projects are affiliated with the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto –the same hospital in which stem cells were discovered by Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch nearly 50 years ago. Both Canadian leaders are internationally recognized for their contributions to the stem cell field and they remain at the forefront of cancer stem cell research. Dr. Dick first identified cancer stem cells in 1994 and Dr. Mak’s contributions to immunology have led to significant breakthroughs in understanding cancer biology.
These projects are two of 14 projects that were selected through peer-review by an international committee and will be funded as part of CIRM’s Disease Team Competition, of which the CSCC is a collaborative funding partner. Each project may receive up to $40 million (USD) over four years, with funding for the Canadian investigators contributed by Genome Canada and Canadian Institutes of Health Research through the CSCC and funding for the Californian investigators contributed by CIRM.
Read more:
CIRM media release
CSCC media release
Michael Rudnicki
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Sharron,Please have a look at our FAQs page, which provides some information and resources on clinical trials. http://www.stemcellnetwork.ca/index.php?page=faqs&hl=engBest wishes.
Chris,This product is not one that is being studied within SCN’s research program. To find scientific studies on the algae, you could search the PubMed database at http://www.pubmed.com and you may wish to discuss with your doctor.
Is there any clinical trials being done to date that I could apply for. I have had cancer estrogen +, Her-2+ and a mastectomy in 2002 With chemo, was ineligible for Herceptin. I had another mastectomy in Oct. 2008 DCIS with no treatment. Another operation in June 2009 with metastatic cancer in the lymph nodes which may have spread to the bones. I have heard a lot about stem cell treatment and would like to be considered a potential patient in receiving treatment of same. Thank You
Hi there,I’m very impressed with the investments going on between California and us here up in Canada. My website, http://SCUCB.com, is Canadian and we are always interested to read about new advancements in the stem cell industry, but especially in Canada.Thanks for this post!Sincerely,Dan Goldberg
Hi, I have been introduced to a product made from AFA (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae)algae that claims to naturally enhance one body’s own stem cell production. While reading about it, I came across an article that says AFA is potentially harmful in production of certain toxins.People whom I know are claiming health improvements after using this product. It is being marketed by a company in US.Would like to seek experts opinions on safety of such product.Thank you.ChrisMalaysia